Topic: Help with initials please - photo now posted

[vidrioguapo]

Do the initials F.M. mean anything to anybody...sorry don't have photo but have just seen a nice piece of glass with these leters etched into the base?
there was also a date - a bit unclear - but thought to be 1984? Thanks Emmi

[Ivo]

Fratelli Marcolin, Ronnby, Sweden
or (if you're lucky)
Floris Meijdam

awaiting further details

[Bernard C]

Emmi — My first thought was the obvious one, Fabrique en Murano.   Haanstra suggests Marcolin Art Glass of Ronneby, Sweden (1962–94), who used the signatures FM Ronneby and FM Konstglas.

You should really have a copy of Ivo Haanstra's excellent book, Miller's glass fact file, a–z.   It is only £7.99, and is by far the most accessible and comprehensive instant general reference available.    It is always in my pocket or bag when I go buying.   My one complaint about it is that the margins are not large enough for the pencilled notes I always add to my books, but then, I suppose, it would not fit my pocket.

Hope that helps,

Bernard C.  

Oops, I see Ivo got in first.   Sorry, Ivo.

[chopin-liszt]

:D:D

We do need a piccie!

For a short while, a couple of glassmakers, Steven Foster and Ian MacDonald were working together under the name of Glass FM. They'd won the scholarship to use the facilities at Broadhurst House Museum. That was within the last 5 years, so '84 might rule them out!

I saw Ian MacDonald at the last Cambridge fair, on his own, so I don't know if they're still working together or not. :?

[Bernard C]

Sue — thanks.   I knew the initials sounded familiar.    Glass FM produced my fastest ever selling studio glass.    I bought three pieces from them after a visit to Broadfield House, and watching them work.    All their glass on display was unsigned, but I told them that I do not buy studio glass unless it is either instantly recognisable or fully signed, so they signed and dated my purchases.    I sold all three, first sale, next fair.

Bernard C.  

ps — never call anyone an "expert".   An "ex" is a has-been, and a "spurt" is a drip under pressure.  :lol:

[vidrioguapo]

Here goes...rushed back to shop for photo - have also got the book  on me normally, but this morning was harrassed by getting road tax etc and forgot both book and camera!!! Let's hope my IT skills are working today...

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I had hoped this might have been a piece of Whitefriars cullet, but found the F.M. initials...so thought I'd seek some help first.. thanks for all your thoughts so far.

[chopin-liszt]

:D:D

Well, it's a FAB piece, I don't think it's Glass FM though!

Bernard, I'm so-ooo pleased you were impressed by them! I was down south for the Birmingham fair a few years ago, went to Broadfield house on the Saturday, and spent a lovely afternoon watching them work. I bought a couple of pieces too. With the second piece - (I'd gone running back for it, being in a dilemma - fair tomorrow, lovely contemporary glass today, and a budget. Thankfully, the contemporary glass won.) I spoke to a chap, to ask where to pay for it, and he said he could take the money, I asked who made it, he grinned and said that he had, would I like him to sign it for me - well he didn't need to ask twice! That was Stephen Foster.

I bought a piece from Ian MacDonald at the last fair, but it wasn't until I got home that I realised it was him, so if he's at the fair coming, I shall have to apologise for not recognising him! (but I still loved the glass!)

  :twisted:  By your definition, Bernard, I should be referring to the creep who tricked me into matrimony as an expert, but it's far too nice-sounding a word. :lol:

[vidrioguapo]

Oh thanks...I had hoped the photo would have now brought in an ID?  Pleease can someone help now there's something to look at.

[chopin-liszt]

:D:D
I think we need Ivo or Bill Geary for this one - very Scandanavian/Dutch/Finnish sort of feel about it. :mrgreen:

Iittala did use a system of marking some pieces with just the designer's initials. I've got a Tapio Wirkkala decanter marked just "WK". Checking the Iittala designer's site, there's nobody FM.

[Bernard C]

Sue — Thank you for bringing me up to date with Glass FM.   I am delighted that Stephen Foster and Ian MacDonald have both built upon the opportunity they had with the Broadfield House scholarship.   I am fairly certain that my purchase from them was my first ever foray into contemporary British studio glass.   I remember explaining the whole scenario to my buyer, and pointing out that the glass was not only good value in its own right, but these pieces had the potential to be early works by established artists.   Also I remember the shapes not being very exciting, but the colours and textures being quite amazing.

Would you be so kind as to introduce me to Stephen Foster and/or Ian MacDonald at the forthcoming Cambridge glass fair?    It would be nice to catch up with what these artists are doing today.

Bernard C.